Local history meeting to be held in St. Paul

ST. PAUL — The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., will hold its annual meeting in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 17-20, 2104.

This one-of-a-kind networking and learning opportunity is one of the largest national gatherings for history professionals and those who work in the field of state and local history. The Minnesota Historical Society is serving as the host institution for the annual meeting. The theme for the conference is Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts.

“Nothing can replace the opportunities that arise when you intersect with people who come together around common goals and interests—good history and good times. In 2014, the AASLH Annual Meeting in St. Paul enables us to explore ways to be greater than the sum of our parts,” said Andrea Kajer, 2014 AASLH Annual Meeting Host Committee Chair and Deputy Director, External Relations at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Minneapolis and St. Paul, the “Twin Cities,” developed to meet different needs. St. Paul grew as the state capital and the port at the head of navigation on the Mississippi, while Minneapolis developed around the industrially powerful and majestic Falls of St. Anthony. Minneapolis and St. Paul complement one another just as so many historical organizations across the country do today. Their historic partnership—and occasional good-natured ribbing—serves as a vibrant example of how strategic networks of complementary efforts benefit everyone.

The AASLH Annual Meeting is a four day event featuring workshops, general sessions, evening events and tours. The annual meeting also marks the annual banquet for the AASLH National Leadership in History Awards, which recognizes excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history. In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, a two-day Online Conference will be broadcast live from St. Paul.

For more information on the annual meeting and online conference, visit: about.aaslh.org/conference. The early bird rate for registration ends July 25, 2014.

Garrison Keillor is one of America’s most beloved radio hosts and acclaimed humorist, known for such creations as A Prairie Home Companion, Lake Wobegon Days, and Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny. Marilyn Carlson Nelson is the former chairman and CEO of Carlson, a travel and hospitality company, and was recently named by Forbes as one of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.” Dr. Anton Treuer is Executive Director of the American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University, author of thirteen books, and a recognized expert on the Ojibwe language and American Indian studies.

Since 1940, AASLH has provided leadership and support for those who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all Americans. The organization serves individuals and institutions from rural communities, urban sites, small historical societies, and large history centers across the United States. For this diverse group, AASLH offers programs and services that progressively advance the goals and standards of the field of state and local history. For more information, visit www.aaslh.org.